The buildings of Wycombe: 13 Queens Square

Take this weeks building, located at 13 Queens Square everyone today knows it as a shop which they will probably visit at lunchtime however it was once a private dwelling house with a very famous occupant.

Located close to the old Medieval area of Wycombe town centre and just a stones throw away from Frogmoor this building, when constructed, was right in the heart of the town centre.

I'm not sure of the exact age of the building but it must date from the 18th Century and even all those years ago was most impressive.

Just look at the large central sash window with magnificent moulding above to set it off. You would never find such magnificent architectural embellishments on a modern building.

It may have only a short frontage indeed it seems almost out of proportion with the surrounding properties but what it lacks in size this building make up in grandeur.

Back in the 1750's it was home to a master lace maker by the name of John Ball and his four children. In 1759 his sister Hannah move in to look after her brother.

Although Hannah was born in Naphill she was destined to become one of Wycombe's most famous residents.

On day in 1765 she went to nearby Frogmoor to listen to the preacher John Wesley who was addressing the crowds at 5am in the morning. She became good friends with John Wesley and he encouraged her to set up the first ever Sunday School at her home.

This was of course the start of the Sunday School movement which went on become a worldwide phenomenon all of which was started at 13 Queens Square.

Hannah's achievements are commemorated by a plaque located on the front of the building. The wording on the plaque reads “Founder of the Sunday Schools Hannah Ball lived here from 1759-1766”.

In 1971 the Hannah Ball School in Phillip Road, Totteridge was opened in her honour.

Although there is a plaque the building is not afforded any listed protection by English Heritage whatsoever.

The building may now be a shop and the original windows and doors on the ground floor have been altered from the original however surely the building needs to be protected for future generations to enjoy?

Even Pevsner passed by without mentioning it in his guide book.

Sadly a large street lamp has been fixed to the front of the building, see photograph, completely ruining the clean cut architectural line of this magnificent structure.

There is also a litter bin plonked outside which adds nothing to the vista. Oh well....

What do you think?

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